Constitutional Status
The Supreme Court of the Russian Federation is the highest judicial body for civil, criminal, administrative, and other cases within the competence of courts of general jurisdiction and commercial courts.
Its constitutional status is established by the Constitution of the Russian Federation and federal constitutional legislation regulating the organization and functioning of the judiciary. Within the judicial system of the Russian Federation, the Supreme Court occupies the highest position in relation to courts of general jurisdiction and commercial courts. Since its merger with the Supreme Arbitration Court in 2014, the Supreme Court has served as the sole highest judicial body for all categories of cases within this system.
The Court heads the unified system of courts of general jurisdiction and commercial courts and ensures the proper administration of justice within their competence. In accordance with federal law, the Supreme Court exercises judicial supervision over the activities of lower courts and ensures the consistent application of legislation across the territory of the Russian Federation.
Through its judicial activity and institutional functions, the Supreme Court plays a central role in maintaining the unity of the judicial system and strengthening the rule of law.